ACK - Karna

Karna is one of the most poignant characters of the Mahabharata - generous to a fault but with shades of grey. Although born to princess Kunti and the sun god Surya, he grew up as the son of a humble charioteer. His talent and ambition, however, would not allow him to languish in anonymity. The Kaurava Prince, Duryodhana, recognised his ability at archery and made him king of Anga. For this, Karna remained loyal to him till the end. He met an untimely end at the hands of his brother Arjuna in the Mahabharata War.